500 days to WYD 2013: Christ awaits you with open arms!

WYD is so close and yet so far: 500 days. The heart of the youth around the world begins to stir in a mixture of joy and anxiety, as they long to experience this special encounter with Christ. He expects us, accepts us, loves us, cares for us each day and renews our hope. World Youth Day is a dream from the heart of God given to Rio de Janeiro and to the whole world.

To realize this dream, young people have begun to mobilize to be in Rio July 23rd – 28th, 2013. Volunteers are also mobilizing (Today they total approximately 11,000), and those who will host pilgrims in their homes are increasingly embracing World Youth Day as part of their lives, and as something very valuable to their hearts.

It is of this feeling that Pope Benedict XVI spoke in his message for World Youth Day in Madrid: “Dear young people, the Church is counting on you. It needs your lively faith, your creative love and the dynamism of your hope. Your presence renews the Church, it rejuvenates it and gives it a new impetus. Therefore, World Youth Days are a grace not only for yourselves but for the whole People of God. ”

You are, indeed, the champions of this great gathering of faith. We must be united in prayer and work in these 500 days until the WYD of our lives.

Join us in this adventure of faith, as said Cardinal Rylko, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, in his visit to Rio.

Send reports of preparations to come to Rio; discuss your expectations for WYD; or even share the experiences of others WYDs (all accompanied by photos or videos).

Also share your ‘journey’ for Rio2013. We will soon be a portino of the Rio2013 site for just that. It is “YOU IN WYD”!

Read some testimonials that have come tot he Local Organizing Committee:

“Though WYD is 500 days away, I say: the spirit of World Youth Day is already in me! I have everything ready for my trip because I am from Sao Paulo. Besides having the opportunity to be a leader in the youth ministry of my church, I was invited to be one of the representatives of my parish to take my church and my motivation to WYD, and to bring back everything that the word of God will reveal.

To say I’m looking forward to WYD is not nearly sufficient. I’m going with my heart, taking with me a youthful spirit and an openness to new experiences. I’m ready for another mission for which He sent me. I want to bring wisdom to those who are not young, and to bring experience to those who are already adults. It is chilling to know that my country was ‘chosen’ and is so close to hosting WYD Rio2013. I pray that this may be an instrument of faith in our lives.

These 500 days will be the most hopeful of my life. I’m sure that nothing could be better than waiting for this beautiful moment.

Thank God, for granting such grace. HERE I AM, LORD! Each day you more brightly light the way for the youth, not only in Brazil, but all over the world! Amen, and thank you for this opportunity.”

“The Parish of St. Benedict in the city of Jau (Sao Paulo) is living a unique moment: on weekends, young people from different youth groups are present in masses and, after the celebration, begin their activities raising funds for WYD. The right direction, scheduled activities, happy young people: it’s all part of this beautiful environment of material and spiritual preparation for the biggest event in the Roman Catholic Church and in the history of Rio de Janeiro.

Through the support of the priest and the community in general, children, youth, adults and seniors all work interchangeably and intercede for the success of the event. It is much more than a simple design; it is the realization of a dream. We are not tourists but pilgrims. See you soon!”

Armando Rodolfo Valencise

The youth of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, in the center of Manaus in the Amazons, sent us the photo below of the meeting of the organizing committee of young people to come to WYD Rio2013. They are following all of the news leading up to WYD.

There are many ways to make the pilgrimage to World Youth Day. Some people go with groups from their local parish; others find friends and form their own group to travel together; and still others make the journey alone. We recommend that you start by asking the youth minister(s) of your home parish if they are planning to take a group to Rio in 2013. If they are not, you may be able to help them start the group yourself! Check out our Pilgrimages page and our Travel Tips pages for more guidance on planning your pilgrimage to World Youth Day Rio2013.

I’m also from the Philippines and was able to participate in the WYD when it was held in our country. I promised myself I would join another WYD celebration before I turn 35. Hopefully, it’s this 2013.

I am from India,I pray that JESUS may touch every young heart n draw them towards Himself,where everyone may experience His love.In this big gathering as New Pope is present,may all be filled with newness of life.
May God bless U all.